Sit down and share

Noodle recipes to make family meal time simple and delicious

H ere’s food for thought: Experts say mealtime may be the best time for families to relax, reconnect and enjoy each other’s company after a busy day. In fact, research also suggests that having dinner together as a family at least four times a week has positive effects on child development. According to a report by the University of Florida, children who eat dinner with their family are more likely to understand, acknowledge and follow the boundaries and expectations set by their parents. A decrease in high-risk behaviors is related to the amount of time spent with family – especially during family dinners.

One reason may be because eating dinner together as a family provides an opportunity for conversation without distractions from screens. As you engage your children in conversation, you can teach them how to listen and provide them with a chance to express their own opinions.

In addition, conversations at the dinner table can expand a child’s vocabulary and, thus, reading ability.

So, when you want to dine with your family and you’re tired of takeout, consider these simple – yet delicious – recipes:

♦ Lingonberry Noodles (Serves 6)

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp. olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger

• ¼ c. sliced green onions

• 2 bell peppers, thinly sliced into strips

• 1 c. sliced mushrooms (such as cremini)

• 2 small bok choy

• 12 oz. prepared Udon noodles

• 5 Tbsp. oyster sauce

• ¼ c. low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar

• 3 Tbsp. brown sugar

• 5 Tbsp. Felix Lingonberry jam

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger and stir until fragrant, 1 minute, then add green onions. Cook until softened, 2 minutes.